Bernard Membe facts for kids
Bernard Kamilius Membe (born 9 November 1953, died 12 May 2023) was an important politician from Tanzania. He worked as the country's Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2007 to 2015. This means he was in charge of how Tanzania talked and worked with other countries around the world. He was also a Member of Parliament for the Mtama area from 2000 to 2015, representing his community in the government.
Quick facts for kids
Bernard Membe
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Membe in 2009
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| Minister of Foreign Affairs | |
| In office 13 January 2007 – 5 November 2015 |
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| Deputy Minister of Energy and Minerals | |
| In office 17 October 2006 – 12 January 2007 |
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| Minister | Nazir Karamagi |
| In office 6 January 2006 – 16 October 2006 |
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| Minister | John Chiligati |
| Member of Parliament for Mtama |
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| In office November 2000 – July 2015 |
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| Succeeded by | Nape Nnauye |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 9 November 1953 Lindi Region, Tanganyika |
| Died | 12 May 2023 (aged 69) Kairuki Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania |
| Nationality | Tanzanian |
| Political party | Chama Cha Mapinduzi |
| Other political affiliations |
Alliance for Change and Transparency (2019–2022) |
| Spouse | Dorcas Membe |
| Alma mater | University of Dar es Salaam Johns Hopkins (M.A.) |
| Twitter handle | @BernardMembe |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United Rep. of Tanzania |
| Branch/service | National Service |
| Military camp | Oljoro |
| Duration | 1 year |
Contents
Early Life and Education
Bernard Membe went to Rondo-Chiponda Primary School and Namupa Seminary Secondary School. He then studied at Itaga Seminary High School. He learned about politics at the University of Dar es Salaam. He also studied how countries interact with each other at Johns Hopkins University. He spent one year serving his country in the National Service at Oljoro Military Camp.
Political Career Highlights
Membe worked as a national security analyst for the President's Office from 1978 to 1989. After that, he studied international relations in Washington, D.C. from 1990 to 1992. In 1992, he became an advisor for the Tanzanian High Commissioner in Ottawa, Canada, where he worked until 2000.
In 2000, he was chosen as a CCM Member of Parliament for the Mtama area. He was re-elected in 2005 and 2010. After the 2005 elections, President Jakaya Kikwete made him the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs. In October 2006, he became the Deputy Minister of Energy and Minerals.
In January 2007, Membe was appointed the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation. This happened after the previous minister, Asha-Rose Migiro, became the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General. He also became a member of the National Executive Committee for the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party in 2007. He was re-elected to this committee in 2012.
In 2013, Membe told people in his area that he would not run for Parliament again in 2015. This made many people think he might want to run for president of Tanzania.
In February 2020, Membe left the CCM party. He later joined an opposition party called the Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT). He said he was ready to be their candidate for president in the 2020 election. However, in March 2022, he returned to his former political party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi. The party's committee agreed to let him rejoin.
As Foreign Minister
As Tanzania's Foreign Minister, Bernard Membe played a key role in how Tanzania interacted with other countries.
African Union Leadership
In January 2008, Tanzania became the leader of the Executive Council of the African Union for one year. As Foreign Minister, Membe served as the chairman of this important group. During his time, two countries, Mauritania and Guinea, had their membership suspended. This happened after their governments were taken over by force. Membe stated that "A coup is a coup and it cannot be tolerated," meaning that taking over a government by force is always wrong.
Views on International Issues
In November 2010, Membe spoke about the situation between Israel and Palestine. He said that Israel should stop blocking Gaza and stop building on occupied land. He also said that Israel used too much force against Palestinians. In October 2011, Membe confirmed that Tanzania fully supported Palestine's request to join the United Nations.
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In May 2011, Membe refused a payment from a company called BAE Systems. This money was related to an overpriced radar sold to Tanzania in 2002. BAE wanted to pay the money through a charity, but Membe insisted it should go directly to the government. He said, "These people are desperately trying to clear their name from a scandal."
Membe also spoke about the Lake Nyasa (also known as Lake Malawi) border dispute. In July 2012, he told Malawi that searching for oil and gas on the eastern side of the lake should stop. This was until the ownership of the lake was decided. Tanzania believes the border is in the middle of the lake, while Malawi says it is at the Tanzanian shore.
Death
Bernard Membe passed away on 12 May 2023, at the age of 69.
Honours and Awards
Tanzania: Medal for Operation Democracy in Comoros, December 2008
Comoros: Medal from Comoros, March 2009
See also
In Spanish: Bernard Membe para niños
